Comedy
Anneliese Nappa
Aunty Donna: Big Boys, bigger personalities
This interview with Australian absurdist comedians Aunty Donny goes way off the rails. Why didn’t we see that one coming? more
The Onion’s Madison roots are showing
The Onion left Madison almost two decades ago. But a retrospective of the company shows it owes a lot to its Madison years. more
Cara Howe / Netflix
Who’s afraid of Michelle Wolf?
Her brilliant savagery at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner put Michelle Wolf into the spotlight. Her new Netflix show is going to keep her there. more
Funny stuff
Local and national comedians get to strut their stuff at the inaugural Madison Comedy Week, May 27-June 3 at 22 different Madison venues. more
Relatable anti-racist
Hari Kondabolu brings a personal approach to hot-button issues like race and colonialism. He’s at the Comedy Club on State April 19-21. more
Holy cow, it’s Charlie!
Charlie Berens’ podcast “Da Manitowoc Minute” is attracting loads of fans from around the world. Isthmus talks to Berens in advance of his appearance at Wisconsin Union Theater on Jan. 26. more
Joan Marcus
Finding hope and solace through art
Isthmus arts and culture editor Catherine Capellaro looks back at a year where she found hope and faith in humanity through art. more
Mindy Tucker
Broad + Dope = Yaaas
One got her start as a web series star on YouTube. The other launched her career from blogging and podcasts. Now these two dope queens are touring the country together, celebrating female friendship and making people laugh. more
Female voices amplified
Local comedian Dina Nina Martinez is building on the success of last year’s Lady Laughs Comedy Festival, bringing the event back Nov. 2-5 with more than triple the acts. more
Robyn Von Swank
The queer revolution will (hopefully) be televised
Married standup comedians Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher are helping bring LGBTQ narratives into the mainstream. And their comedy is inseparable from their activism. more
Better when fresh
Andy Moore talks to award-winning writer, director and comedian Mike Birbiglia about his brand new comedy tour, “The New One.” Birbiglia will be at the Overture Center on Sept. 22. more
Maron matured
It may have taken him years to find an audience, but comedian Marc Maron says he's never been funnier. The host of the hit WTF podcast is coming to Madison on April 28 for a show at the Orpheum. more
Branden Vondrak
Comedy with teeth
Progressive talk radio host Stephanie Miller has shifted her approach to comedy since the election of Donald Trump. It’s also about resistance now. more
Michael Schwartz
Pure Paula Poundstone
Pioneering standup comedian and National Public Radio institution Paula Poundstone, brings her wry humor to the Barrymore Theatre on Feb. 11. more
Inaugural humor
On Donald Trump’s inauguration day, cities across the country will host comedy festivals, with proceeds benefiting the American Civil Liberties Union. The Madison installment, at the Majestic Theatre, features headliner Madison native Nate Craig. more
Roasting bad cinema
Once a month, Madison audiences have an opportunity to watch comedians riff on terrible movies. It’s called “Movie Hell,” and the monthly shows at the Fountain are developing a cult following. more
Stephanie Hofmann
Laugh with the ladies
Madison’s first ever female-centric comedy festival celebrates inclusivity and promises big laughs, thanks to talent from all over the country. more
Lewis Black: “Calm down. Move some shit forward”
“We are living in the intersection of satire and reality.” Isthmus talks to Lewis Black before his appearance at the Orpheum this Saturday. more
Mary Langenfeld
He's back!
The audience at High Noon Saloon was ecstatic, and host Michael Feldman in fine form as the team kicked off a new “Whad’Ya Know? Podcast on Sept. 3. more
Kym Balthazar
Heir apparent
Isthmus staff writer Dylan Brogan talks to “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah about connecting with audiences from around the world, his evolving style and how not to get shot by the police. Noah appears at the Orpheum Sept. 10. more
